NH Senate to vote on pot decriminalization

Sunday

Apr 28, 2013 at 12:45 PM

NH Senate likely to reject marijuana decriminalization, industrial hemp also up for a vote

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire Senate will vote this week on a bill to reduce the penalty for possession of up to a quarter ounce of marijuana to a fine of up to $200. The bill would also require those under 18 to attend drug rehabilitation classes or face a $1,000 fine.

The Senate Judiciary Committee recommended the Senate reject the bill, and the governor has said she would not sign it. During a recent hearing on the bill, marijuana advocates acknowledged problems with the bill's language, and said their main focus this session is a medical marijuana proposal that many believe has a better chance of becoming law.

The Senate will also vote this week on a bill that would protect industrial hemp from being tagged as an illicit drug.